Duo in project to showcase unknown musicians

Some very fresh faces on the music scene are appearing on stage this weekend to launch a self-supported performance concept, which they are optimistic, will open the doors for other budding artists.

This group of newcomers will be holding a joint concert called “The New Flame” this Saturday at the Front Terrace of the Alliance Francaise in Nairobi.

The main act of the show is a 19-year-old singer called Amara Tiri, who has already posted a You tube video of herself performing an acoustic version of Amy Winehouse’s song “Valerie.”

Big break

“The New Flame” is a concept developed by two young music fans, Collins Kibet and Chebet Kipingor who were both inspired by the talent of their friend, Amara Tari. Collins plays the role of manager, promoter and video director for his younger sister, Amara.

“When she sings, everything stops. How she carries a melody, or does her notes, is an art all in itself,” says Chebet as she describes the singer whose deep vice belies her youth.

They say it is these qualities that made them choose Amara Tiri as the first of what they hope will turn out to be many amazing young artistes to work with on “The New Flame.”

It is these many aspiring musicians who, just like Amara, spend the day hanging out at venues like Alliance or the Piano Centre looking for their big break, that inspired Collins and Chebet to scrape what little resources they could get, to organise this first show and hopefully build on its success.

“These are real musicians who play a range of instruments and refuse to be put in a box as Kapuka or hip hop artistes. They believe that given a chance, they can be every bit as good as Sauti Sol has turned out to be,” says Chebet.

“This is a concept about new beginnings, new opportunities, new ideas for those with a gift of expressing themselves through music,” she adds.

Their objective is to send a message that music, along with other art forms is a valid career choice and that young people can realise their dreams with support and guidance to utilise their gifts.

A students

As if to prove that point, “The New Flame” includes two A students, Jason Rae and Joel Maina who are also musicians and play at least five instruments each.

Both have gone against the grain of only pursuing university or college education and work as freelance instrumentalists with many artistes.

“The New Flame” is an opportunity for this group of musicians to be exposed to the right people in the business, from producers, managers and established musicians, and provide them with the necessary tools of the trade.

Amara Tari will be supported by a variety of performers like Ciano Maimba, Philie Kombo, Jason Rae, Samson Maiko, Wairimu Kamatu, Ken Orwa and a guest appearance from Le Band.

All these musicians are offering their talents at no cost in the conviction that their contribution can uplift the talents of a fresh new talent.

The concert will also be a platform for Amara Tiri to launch the audio and video of her song “Biggest Fan” originally sang and produced by the Kenyan Jazz/R&B artiste, Kagwe Mungai. Mungai himself has produced the cover version as a sign of the faith he places in the young artist.

The concert will open with a performance by Jason Rae, followed by the video showcase of “Biggest fan”. Samson will then play a trumpet and trombone set with Jason, before Ciano does an acoustic guitar solo. Philie will also perform a solo guitar set, before Le Band and the trio from Third Hand Music get on stage. The concert will then close with Amara Tari’s performance of her songs including an upcoming new release, “Party all the time.”

Debate

Meanwhile, Kenyan music industry veterans along with the new techies will debate the major issues confronting the business at a forum called “Analogue Elders vs. Digital Natives” this Saturday.

The event at the Goethe Institute and organised jointly by Ketebul Music and East Africa Santuri will feature a session between older artists from Kenya’s rich musical past with younger musicians, producers and DJs representing the digital era.

The concert will be followed by a panel discussion at the Goethe Auditorium, investigating the results of the co-creation workshop as well as debates between guest speakers from the music industry, media and cultural curators.

Later on Saturday night, the space will be transformed into a party with music from the different eras in Kenyan music, past and present, live performances and DJ sets from a diverse selection of artists.